Delta skymiles refundable?

[Lisa0620]

We're thinking of getting a Delta Amex for the skymiles bonus. Is booking using skymiles similar to using Southwest points where you can cancel without penalty or rebook if a lower fare comes out? TIA.

 

[SteveH]

Here is a good report, though old, about the various airline reward charges.
https://thepointsguy.com/2015/04/avoiding-award-travel-change-and-cancellation-fees/

You can see the Delta Policy under; What Will The Redeposit Fee Be If I Cancel An Award Booking?
https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/support/faqs/skymiles/award-ticket-faqs.html

 

[DebbieB]

I had to change a ticket on Delta once - there was a change or redeposit fee. It worked out better for me to cancel and redeposit, then rebook because the new ticket was less miles.

$150 fee
https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/support/faqs/skymiles/award-ticket-faqs.html

The legacy airlines are not like Southwest. They charge for any change.

 

[Lisa0620]

Thank you both, good to know!

 

[_19disnA]

Unless you charge a LOT on those airline credit cards & fly a lot with that airline, the miles you get aren't really worth the hassle. You get a free ticket or something similar when you first join, but basically they just want you to have their credit card to make the fees from things you purchase. I have had some of those credit cards in the past and you may not accumulate enough miles for a ticket or upgrade before they expire. If you live in a hub city and mostly fly on one airline, it can be a good deal if you charge enough. However, airlines often merge or relocate hub cities and then the benefit isn't nearly as good as it first seemed.

Having credit cards from multiple airlines is less likely to be of benefit.

 

[DebbieB]

The main benefit is the signup bonus. If they don’t charge the fee the first year, it’s worth it. Be sure to cancel when the fee comes up. I had a card on American, they waived the fee the second and third year if I charged the amount of the fee within 3 months. 4th year I called, they would not waive it so I cancelled.

 

[_19disnA]

^^ I agree. Ongoing is less of a benefit. If you don't live near and/or often fly from their hub cities, these credit cards probably aren't much of a benefit.

 

[DebbieB]

^^ I agree. Ongoing is less of a benefit. If you don't live near and/or often fly from their hub cities, these credit cards probably aren't much of a benefit.

If you fly a lot, you get a free bag and I think upgraded boarding position.

 

[_19disnA]

I have the United card and you get a free checked bag and once a year you get 2 passes to the United airport lounge. All of their other perks are the result of flying a LOT of miles. Most other airlines work the same way. Perhaps a business traveler who makes several international trips will accumulate enough miles for those types of perks. Otherwise, these are all just regular credit cards.